Problem:

Of all the synthetic hormones we use, estrogens are probably the most common. They are used for birth control as well as hormone replacement therapy. This researcher also shows that there is plenty of it in milk because dairy cows are often pregnant while they are being milked.

Estrogen is a sturdy compound, very much like cholesterol. I was wondering if anyone had any idea how long it would survive in the environment, given that some people are concerned about it interrupting animals life cycles.

Question: How fast does it break down in the wild? Justify your answer.